MINERAL RIDGE Officials OK zoning amendments

The changes to the zoning regulations now face approval by township trustees. MINERAL RIDGE -- The Weathersfield Township Zoning Commission has approved two amendments to zoning regulations, which change the cost of permits for gas and oil wells and increase restrictions on site planning. The changes must still be considered by township trustees and approved by that body before they become law. The commission approved a uniform $1,000 permit fee. The township charges $3,500 for drilling a gas or oil well in a residential area and $1,000 for drilling the wells in an industrial or commercial zone. Site plans: The commission's amendments also require that new buildings in commercial and industrial districts submit a site drainage plan to the Trumbull County Engineer's Office before construction. The reason, zoning inspector Sherri Craver said, is to ensure the township won't be left to deal with water problems from new construction. The commission denied a request from Summit Adventist Educational Center for a zone change from agricultural to Commercial B on 550 feet of a nearly 19-acre site behind 2722 W. Liberty St. The church property faces Interstate 80 and it wanted to sell space for a billboard to raise money. Changing only the smaller portion of property would be spot zoning, which the township is trying to get away from, Craver said. The commission said it would not consider any change on the land, after a majority of residents at the hearing said they oppose it. The land is surrounded by agricultural and residential property. The denial, however, also must be reviewed by trustees.